Rescued Seal Pup Chappy Dies from Severe Digestive Issues at Connecticut Aquarium

The baby gray seal, found stranded near Yale University, suffered from mesenteric torsion and other health complications despite extensive care.

Chappy, a baby gray seal found on Chapel Street in New Haven, Connecticut, was rescued on February 16 and taken to Mystic Aquarium for treatment.
The seal pup was underweight and initially treated for dehydration, malnutrition, and mild pneumonia, showing some early signs of improvement.
Chappy's condition worsened due to gastrointestinal issues, which were later diagnosed as mesenteric torsion, a severe condition that cut off blood supply to his intestines.
A necropsy revealed small pieces of plastic in Chappy's stomach, highlighting the ongoing threat of marine debris to wildlife, though it was not the direct cause of his death.
Mystic Aquarium staff expressed sadness over Chappy's passing but emphasized he was cared for with love and given the best chance possible.